Queenwood Performance Tour to Europe September 2017
Choir, String Ensemble & Concert Band
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Accommodation: Prague (3) – Hodonin (1) – Budapest (2) – Vienna (3) – Salzburg (2) Itinerary Overview: September 2017: Day 1 - Depart from Sydney Day 2, 3, 4 - Prague Day 5 - Hodonin Day 6, 7 - Budapest (via Bratislava) Day 8, 9, 10 - Vienna Day 11, 12 - Salzburg Day 13 - Dep. from Munich Day 14 Dec - Transit Day 15 - Arrival in Sydney Rationale of the Music Tour The aim of the tour is to provide a musical and educationally rich experience beyond the classroom, allowing Queenwood students opportunities to experience many musical genres in their social, cultural and historical contexts - walking in the footsteps of famous musicians, attending professional concerts in world renowned theatres, taking part in musical workshops, gaining insight into the world of music history, discovering the significance of classical music history, reflecting on the development of musical instruments, exploring the influence of music in different cultures, enjoying the variety of music genres in different contexts, and more. The tour will incorporate a range of activities to cater for all Queenwood students involved in choral and instrumental ensembles. The Golden Triangle Tour takes you on a musical pilgrimage to the cradle of Western Civilization’s musical heritage – Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Admire the historical treasures of Munich, reflect upon the tragedy of WWII in Dachau, soak in the picture perfect scenery of the Alps, tuck into pork knuckle and sauerkraut, walk in the footsteps of Mozart, relive Vienna’s Hapsburg glories, polish up your yodelling skills, stroll your way through charming markets, taste your way through strudels and pastries, relax with a cup of “heisse schokolade”, melt into the melodies of Strauss and Haydn, immerse yourself in the local life in Hodonin, spend a few hours in Bratislava, zig-zag your way between Buda and Pest, witness the architectural splendours of Golden Prague, walk across Charles Bridge and much more.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Musical highlights
Perform in St Nicholas on the Prague Old Town Square OR as part of Prague Autumn Markets,
Attend the famous ballet or Opera at the Prague National Theatre,
Sail away down the Vltava on a private Jazz Boat Cruise,
Take part in a social and musical exchange in Chlumec with a local school,
Perform at a concert venue in a small town in southern Moravia in the Czech Republic,
Soak in the acoustics of Matthias church in Budapest,
Hum/dance along to Hungarian folk songs evening,
Visit, perform and dine in the home of a famous Viennese singer and patron of the arts,
Perform in a school exchange concert with a Hungarian local high school,
Walk in the footsteps of famous musicians on a guided Musical Tour of Vienna,
Attend a rehearsal of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra,
Take part in a clinic with a renowned musician from the Vienna Classical Players at the Studio of the Wiener Symphoniker,
Visit the House of Music - a special interactive museum where the creative concept of the museum combines futuristic new media applications with a strong didactic element
Attend an entertaining concert of chamber music, opera and ballet in a dazzling Viennese palace,
Perform a recital in St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna,
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of musical Salzburg including a Mayor’s reception,
Participate in a master class and rehearsal at the Camerata with a renowned Austrian clinician from the Salzburger Dom,
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Day 1 Flight from Sydney (meals on board) PM - Meet at check-in counter - Sydney International Airport. Departure from Sydney to Prague including full meal, beverages and inflight entertainment (subject to availability). Day 2 AM - Transit
Prague
(meals on board, D)
PM - Arrival in Prague. Your HTE Tour Director will assist you to awaiting chartered motor coach for a transfer into the city for an orientation tour of the Old Town area. Prague achieved much of its present glory in the 14th century, during the long reign of Charles IV. During the Middle Ages, Prague enjoyed a golden age - a time when Prague was larger than Paris or London! The Hapsburgs also left their artistic and architectural mark. Today, Prague is universally declared one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Meet for a walking city tour of Prague with two licensed English speaking guides starting at the Prague Castle (admission included), continuing to St Vitus’ Cathedral, crossing the river to explore the cobblestoned Old Town Square Two-hour Jazz boat cruise on the river Vltava, a boat trip with buffet dinner, welcome drink and live jazz music. Queenwood soloists welcome to play along. Private coach transfer to accommodation. Check into hotel. Staff meeting and overnight at accommodation.
Day 3 Prague AM - Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Old Town Square. Free time to explore the core of the city at your own pace. Early lunch in the city in small supervised groups.
(B, D)
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
PM - Set up performance on main Prague stage in the Old Town Square or St Nicholas’ Church. Performance on Prague’s Old Town Square Bus transfer to Prague’s National Theatre, one of the most important national monuments of Czech history and art created and maintained by the most distinguished personalities in Czech society. Today the National Theatre consists of three artistic ensembles -opera, ballet and drama which alternate in their performances in the historic building. PM Enjoy a wonderful performance of Opera or Ballet at the Prague National Theatre. Transfer back to hotel for overnight. Day 4 Prague- Chlumec (App. 2 hours driving, 100 km in total)
(B, D)
AM - Late breakfast at the hotel. An opportunity for shopping and individual sightseeing in supervised groups, followed by lunch in Prague. PM - Departure to Chlumec by Usti nad Labem, for a school exchange and joint concert in their local “House of Culture“(or similar). Early dinner at the school canteen with the local students, including an opportunity for a social exchange. Queenwood students will use this time to give small token gifts to Chlumec students. Transfer back to Prague for overnight. Day 5 Prague/Hodonin (App. 4.5 hours driving, 294 km in total)
(B, L, D)
AM - Buffet breakfast at the hotel and check out. Board the bus for a trip north to Moravia and the capital Hodonin. This “off the beaten track” town is located on the right bank of the Morava River, close to the border with Slovakia. The town is in the centre of vineyards area with charming houses and cellars, several well known chateaus and parks.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
PM - Lunch and Czech folklore show at a local village restaurant that is closely connected with the arrival of the mysterious Templar Knights in the 1230s. The show will include dancers, a cimbalom player and folk ensemble. Transfer and check into hotel. Mayor's reception at the town hall. Concert at St. Lawrence Hodonin (or similar). End of concert. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6 Hodonin /Budapest (B, D) (Hodonin -Budapest app. 295 km, 4.5 hours driving time. Hodonin Bratislava app. 95 km, 1.5 hours driving time). AM - Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure to Budapest via Bratislava on private motor coach. En route stop in Bratislava for lunch and an orientation tour with your Tour Director. Immerse yourself in the historical glory of a small capital with a grand reputation and make sure you take time to see the life size bronze statues scattered in the Old Town, as well as the Town Hall, Bratislava Castle and St. Martin’s Cathedral. PM - Continue to Budapest. Budapest is the modern combination of three cities: Obuda, Buda and Pest. Linked by eight bridges, these cities have retained their own distinctive characteristics, but their combination has created one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Two opera houses, five concert halls and numerous theatres are only the beginning of the dazzling entertainment in this captivating city. Dinner at accommodation. Check into rooms at accommodation.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Day 7 Budapest (B, D) AM - Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Meet your local English speaking guides and enjoy a three hour bus city tour of Budapest including photo stops at the Fishermen’s Bastion, the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Royal Castle Hill (for an incredible view of the city), St. Stephen's Cathedral, Matthias Church, and the picturesque streets of Táncsis Mihály utca, Uri utca and Fortuna utca which feature splendid examples of medieval houses and Baroque mansions and walk in the footsteps of Liszt, Bartok and von Weber. PM - Lunch at your own pace in supervised groups. Set-up and rehearsal (TBC). Concert at a local high school (TBC). Dinner at a local Hungarian restaurant including local cuisine and folklore show. Overnight at accommodation in Budapest.
Day 8 Budapest/Vienna (App. 4 hours driving, 250 km in total)
(B, D)
AM - Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Make your way to Vienna in your private motor coach. Lunch on your en route. If time allows, make a short photo stop at the famous 'Zentralfriedhof' to visit the graves of famous musicians and continue to performance venue. Lunch en route. Vienna is still considered the music capital of the world. It is a city of refined tastes, grace, style and unmatched artistic accomplishments. For a thousand years, Vienna was the capital of the Holy Roman and Hapsburg empires. Though its people and ways have changed, Vienna has retained its imperial monuments, not as reminders of past glories, but as living symbols of its present freedom. PM - Arrival at venue. Recital at St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Visit Schönbrunn. The park at this famous Viennese palace was opened to the public around 1779 and since then has provided a popular recreational area for the Viennese population and international visitors alike. Extending for 1.2 km from east to west and approximately one kilometre from north to south, it was placed together with the palace on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1996. Lecture with Prof. Kudlak, ex-Vienna Philharmonic player. Dinner at a famous Lieder singer’s house in the heart of Vienna. She operates an international music organisation which supports young international musicians. Her pent-house apartment is used regularly for recitals and you have the opportunity to savour her home-made cooking. The group's painists will play during dinner. Check into hotel. Day 9
Vienna
(B, L)
AM - Buffet breakfast at accommodation. Transfer to workshop. Set up for workshop. Workshop with a with a renowned conductor from the Vienna Classical Players at at the Studio of the “Wiener Konzerthaus”. Walk to lunch. Group lunch in a local restaurant. PM - Meet your licensed English speaking guides for a three hour bus city tour of Vienna, following the footsteps of many famous musicians such as Strauss, Schubert, Haydn and others and driving around the Ring Boulevard, passing the Hofburg Palace, House of Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater, Belvedere Palace and more. Early Dinner on your own in small supervised groups. Transfer to concert venue.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Sit back and enjoy a light classical concert, a Strauss and Mozart medley performed by renowned chamber musicians, opera singers and enchanting ballet dancers in a dazzling Viennese palace. Transfer back to the hotel for accommodation in Vienna.
Day 10 Vienna (B, D) AM - Explore Vienna’s cultural and historical landmarks at your own pace. Enjoy strolling through the pedestrian streets – bus and tour director at group’s disposal. An opportunity to visit your specific cultural spots of interest in the city centre such as museums and exhibitions, as well as a chance to relax and soak in the flair of the beautiful city. Set up for workshop. Strings workshop with Professor at the Vienna Music University. Lunch on your own in supervised groups. PM -Enjoy a self guided tour of the House of Music a special interactive museum where the creative concept of the museum combines futuristic new media applications with a strong didactic element. Listen to the rehearsal of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (TBC). Performance at the famous Minoriten Church (or similar). Transfer to accommodation. Day 11 Vienna/ Salzburg (App. 4.5 hours driving, 295 km in total)
(B, D)
AM - Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Leave Vienna and travel through the winding Danube Valley region. Stop for lunch en route and continue to Salzburg. PM - Continue to Salzburg via St.Gilgen on a private motor coach (app. 220 km, 3 hours drive) stopping for a boat trip to the Lake District. Discover more interesting spots associated with Mozart and his family and enjoy breathtaking Alpine landscapes.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Take the “Schafberg Bahn”, a cogwheel railway that will power its way from the lake-side base station at Wolfgang to 1000 m high middle station of the mountain. This breathtaking fifteen minute ride will offer the most spectacular views in multiple directions of the valley below. Make your way down and walk to St. Wolfgang Markt boat station. Free time to explore the charming village. Board the famous Salzkammergut boat for a breathtaking ride on Wolfgangsee (35 min. ride). Arrive in St.Gilgen followed by an opportunity to stroll around the charming village and visit spots associated with Mozart’s family. Dinner at, a famous local restaurant overlooking the lake. Transfer to Salzburg. Check into hotel for overnight.
Day 12 Salzburg (B, L) AM - Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Meet with your two licensed English speaking guides at the Mirabell gardens for a two hour city sightseeing tour of musical Salzburg to reveal the charms of one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in the world. PM - Major’s reception in the famous Marble Hall with the Salzburg mayor’s officials at the famous baroque Marble Hall in the Mirabell Castle. This is a very special experience as not only is this invitation reserved for a few very select individuals, but it is also the room where Mozart played, as well as one of the most desirable spots for weddings and classical concerts. We shall be served drinks and light snacks inside one of the most impressive rooms overlooking the Mirabell Gardens. Choral workshop with the conductor of the Cathedral Choir in Salzburg. Opportunity to sing in the famous Salzburg Dom. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Transfer back to hotel.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
Day 13 Salzburg/Munich (B, meals on board) (App. 2 hours driving, 150 km in total) AM - Buffet breakfast at the hotel and check out. Board the coach and transfer to Munich via Hallein. Visit Hallein for a tour an underground salt mine and explore the breath taking salt formations that were the main source of wealth for the region. As part of the experience, zip down a wooden chute and cross a subterranean lake. Underground temperature is a constant 12-14 C so take warm clothing if necessary and comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain. Lunch en route. PM - On the way, visit Dachau, the WWII Memorial. Depart to Munich Airport. Arrival at Munich International Airport. Flight to Sydney, including full meal, beverages and in flight entertainment. Day 14 Transit.
Transit
Day 15 Sydney AM - Arrival at Sydney International Airport.
(meals on board)
(meals on board)
VERY IMPORTANT- This is a proposed itinerary. Except for confirmed appointments and performances, the places of interest and the sequence of sightseeing will be changed if necessary or desirable. In the event of an unavoidable conflict in the performance and the sightseeing schedule, the concert schedule will prevail, and it may be necessary to exclude some sightseeing activities. Please note that various conditions such as weather, traffic etc may affect the scheduled times (especially on the last day). Also, due to liability issues, only paid participants can be allowed on the tour. Friends and family of the group travelling on their own or living in the area are welcome to attend the concerts.
Proposal Prague - Hodonin -Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
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